Our exciting programme for the two-day Pigs Tomorrow conference is almost complete, with Fabio Brancher, Pilgrim’s Europe’s agriculture director, and United Pig Cooperative’s joint general manager, Andy McGowan, among the latest additions.
We have drawn together a mix of quality speakers to bring you insights into the big issues affecting pig businesses – including the global outlook, the ever-changing workings of our own supply chain, the importance of Brand Britain, the sustainability challenge and the transition to flexible farrowing systems.
There will be a special session on attracting and retaining staff, followed by our ‘Youngs Guns’ panel. The conference will be chaired by AHDB’s Angela Christison and Pig World’s Alistair Driver.
In a change to previous years, the conference will start earlier on day one and finish earlier on day two. Here is the programme so far, with small tweaks possible before the event.
Day one
Starts at 11am
Global Outlook
Confirmed speakers:
- Rupert Claxton
- Marcus Bates
- Freya Shuttleworth
- Mark Haighton
Kicking off the event with a summary of the big issues driving the international pork trade will be global meat expert Rupert Claxton, who has more than 20 years’ experience with Gira.
Marcus Bates, of the UK Export Certification Partnership, and AHDB’s Freya Shuttleworth will highlight the ongoing work to access key markets for UK pigmeat exports. They will be joined on a panel by Sofina Foods’ Mark Haighton, giving the exporter’s perspective.
Embracing the sustainability challenge
Confirmed speakers:
- Harriet Bartlett
- Lisbeth Henricksen
- Rob McGregor
- Jack Bosworth
- Hugh Crabtree
Dr Harriet Bartlett, a research fellow at the University of Oxford, will discuss the groundbreaking findings from the largest study of its kind in the pig sector on the effects of, and trade-offs between, different pig farming systems on climate, biodiversity, antimicrobial use and animal welfare.
Lisbeth Henricksen, executive director at the Danish Seges Innovation institute, will outline the Danish perspective on addressing the sustainability challenge.
Award-winning producers Jack Bosworth and Rob McGregor will deliver the indoor and outdoor pig farming perspective, while pork sector board member Hugh Crabtree will explain progress with the pork roadmap, an industry initiative facilitated by AHDB.
Brand Britain
Confirmed speakers:
- Fabio Brancher
- Grace Randall
- Fiona Clayton
This session will explore the importance of the British brand, including a presentation from Pilgrim’s Europe’s Fabio Brancher about how the company is working in partnership with its British pig producers.
AHDB’s Grace Randall and Fiona Clayton will outline some of the work the levy body does in promoting the British brand.
A resilient supply chain
Confirmed speakers:
- Andy McGowan
- John Powell
- Rob Mutimer
- Glen Nimmo
As the UK supply chain continues to evolve and target further growth, Andy McGowan, joint general manager of the newly formed United Pig Cooperative, will explain how it intends to strengthen producers’ position in the marketplace and discuss the current state of the UK pig sector.
He will be joined for a lively discussion on the big issues surrounding the UK supply chain by Defra’s John Powell, NPA chairman Rob Mutimer and AHDB pork sector council chairman Glen Nimmo.
Day two
Starts 10am
Animal health update
Principal sponsor Ceva Animal Health will provide an update on some of the animal health issues affecting the sector.
Wellbeing in the workplace
Confirmed speaker:
- Stephanie Fitzgerald
Stephanie Fitzgerald, a chartered clinical psychologist and renowned conference speaker, will deliver a challenging and engaging session looking at how pig businesses can better look after – and, therefore, retain and attract – staff.
Young Guns
Confirmed speakers:
- Clementine Milton
- Toni Bagguley
- Shane McAuliffe
- More TBC
Chaired by leading Irish pig farmer Shane McAuliffe, our panel of young pig farmers will discuss the challenges they face as relative newcomers, their hopes and aspirations and how we can make the pig sector more attractive to new entrants.
Future of farrowing
Confirmed speakers:
- Tim Miller
- Emma Baxter
- Georgina McDowell
- Lizzie Wilson
ARM Buildings’ Tim Miller will set out some of the key findings from units that have installed flexible farrowing pens, while Emma Baxter, from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), will outline her research into different systems.
The NPA’s Lizzie Wilson will provide an update on the political situation, while Red Tractor’s Georgina McDowell will explain the role Red Tractor could play in the transition.
Biosecurity tips
Confirmed speaker:
- Julian Sparrey
Wrapping up proceedings, Livetec’s Julian Sparrey will provide a summary of some of the key steps producers need to take to maintain their biosecurity.
The conference will finish at approximately 2.30pm.
Free to levy payers – what you get
The 2023 event received excellent feedback, with 91% of delegates who responded to a survey giving an overall rating of 4/5 or 5/5.
Some of the comments we received included:
- “Great event for networking; good turnout from attendees and from exhibitors. Some interesting and useful presentations.”
- “Good range of speakers, good atmosphere and overall excellent event.”
- “Very well organised and a good flow, from overview to UK outlook and news.”
What you need to know
- Pigs Tomorrow will take place at Hinckley, Leicestershire, in May.
- The event will include a gala dinner and overnight accommodation.
- It will be free to producer levy payers for both days, including the gala dinner. You simply need to apply for a place and then await confirmation.
- More information for non-levy payers is available on the event website.
- To apply and find out more, visit www.pigstomorrow.com
- For sponsorship and exhibitor enquiries, contact martin.goult@markallengroup.com
- For all other inquiries, contact nevena.redzic@markallengroup.com
